News Briefs

July 4 reading
The Northwest Ohio Conservative Coalition (NWOCC) is once again sponsoring a public reading of the Declaration of Independence by veterans, first responders and their family members on Tuesday July 4, at noon in Hood Park, 105 W. Front St. in downtown Perrysburg.
Free copies of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution will be given out to attendees. “This is a great event to bring children and grandchildren to; many of them have never heard these documents read out loud,” said Linda Bowyer, chair of the NWOCC. “This is a wonderful way to kick off the celebration of the birth of our country.” Individuals who would like to participate as a reader of a section of the Declaration may contact Bowyer at nwohioconservativecoalition@gmail.com.
NWOCC is a non-connected political action committee registered with the Federal Election Commission and the State of Ohio. For more information, visit nwocc.org.

Hydrant flushing
The Northwestern Water and Sewer District’s Maintenance Department will be flushing and testing fire hydrants July 5-Aug. 11.
Testing will be performed on hydrants in the area of Lake Township (served by Oregon water), parts of Northwood, and the village of Millbury. This area is bounded by the Wood County line to the north and east, Drouillard Road and I-280 to the west, and south to the Village of Millbury at SR 795.
Testing will be performed between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents may experience rusty water during this period and should run tap water prior to using water for laundry purposes. Residents who find rust on clothing after doing laundry during flushing operations may obtain rust-removing chemicals at the District’s office, located at 12560 Middleton Pike, Bowling Green, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Call 419-354-9090 or 877-354-9090 for more information.

Nominees sought
Wood County seniors and community leaders are encouraged to become candidates to serve on the Wood County Committee on Aging Governing Board for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2024.
Candidates must be Wood County residents and at least 60 years old or community leaders of any age. Four elected positions are open.
Interested candidates may download a nomination form online at wccoa.net or call the WCCOA at 419-353-5661 or 1-800-367-4935 or email at WCCOA@wccoa.net.
Completed forms must be returned to the Nomination Committee Chair, WCCOA, 140 South Grove St., Bowling Green, OH 43402-2424 on or before Aug. 11.
The governing board sets policies and conducts the affairs of the WCCOA. Board members are expected to attend the monthly board meeting and to serve on at least one committee. Other board responsibilities include:
• Support the WCCOA mission, strategic planning goals and program activities.
• Maintain fiduciary responsibility, including establishing a budget, assuring legal needs are met, and providing stability and viability of the WCCOA.
• Attend monthly governing board meetings held the second Wednesday of each month at 1:15 p.m.
• Attend an orientation session for new board members.
• Financially contribute and assist with fundraising campaigns with the Friends of WCCOA’s annual campaign (based on personal ability) to achieve 100 percent board participation.
• Serve as an ambassador for the WCCOA to the public at large, encourage understanding of agency programs and challenges and stimulate participation of adults age 60 and older.
Elections will take place in November with installation and the first board meeting in January 2024.

Holiday closure
The Ottawa County Board of Elections office, located at 8444 W. SR 163, Suite 101, Oak Harbor, will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
Normal office hours will resume Wednesday, July 5.

Fido Freedom Days
Each year, animal shelters see an influx of stray dogs in the days surrounding the July Fourth holiday. Last year, Lucas County Canine Care and Control took in 74 strays during the holiday week.
In an effort to return as many dogs as possible to their homes, the Lucas County Commissioners voted to allow LC4 to waive the impounding fees for any dog taken in July 1-8 and reclaimed during those same dates wearing a 2023 dog license.
If the dog does not have a current dog license, with the purchase of a license, the remainder of the impounding fees will be waived. A Lucas County dog license costs $25 and is good through the end of 2023.
The Fourth of July is LC4’s busiest time of the year. To help keep your pets safe pet owners should:
• Keep pets inside, especially when fireworks are being set off.
• Keep dogs on-leash and secure when going outside.
• Make sure their dog is wearing a collar with their dog license and ID tag on and that microchips are linked to current information.
• Take a clear photo of their pet, just in case.
Pet owners who lose their dogs, or whose dogs run off are encouraged to check the Lucas County Canine Care & Control center, located at 410 S. Erie St. in Toledo. The shelter is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and on weekends from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. LC4 will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.

Waterline update
The Northwestern Water and Sewer District has announced an update for the Tracy Road waterline replacement project in Northwood.
Effective July 5-7, the intersection of Wales and Tracy roads will be closed for waterline and pavement installation.
Motorists are advised to follow posted detours. Through July, intermittent lane restrictions are possible on Tracy Road, from Florence Avenue to Wales Road for paving and restoration.

Park district
awarded grant
The Park District of Ottawa County has been awarded a Destination Development Grant of $6,459 from Shores & Islands Ohio, the destination marketing organization for Erie and Ottawa counties.
The park district received the grant to assist in the development of a comprehensive trail feasibility study for the Marblehead Peninsula region.
The feasibility study will incorporate outdoor recreation activity data and public input and will be the main planning tools for implementing future trails.
The park district has submitted a request for qualifications to hire a consultant to facilitate the feasibility study that will take an estimated 6-12 months to complete.
The district has budgeted $60,000 for the project.

Assault warrant
issued for woman
A warrant has been issued for a Toledo woman who is being charged with assault after an incident at a Lake Township veterinarian’s office.
Township police were called to the East Suburban Animal Clinic, Woodville Road, June 27 where employees said a customer became irate over the price of testing of her cat and spit on one of them.
The warrant was issued for Tracey Alsept, 56, Toledo, She had left the office before police arrived.

Fireworks displays
Several local communities will celebrate Independence Day with fireworks display.
They include:
• Fremont: July 1, 10 p.m. .Rodger Young Park.
• Toledo: Fireworks in the 419, July 1, 10 p.m., downtown Toledo Riverfront.
• Woodville: Woodville’s 4th of July Celebration, July 1, 10 p.m., Trail Marker Park.
• Bowling Green: BG Boom Festival and Fireworks, July 3, fireworks at dusk, Wood County Fairgrounds.
• Maumee/Perrysburg: July 3, dusk. Set off from Orleans Park. Viewable from both sides of the Maumee River.
• Oak Harbor: July 3, dusk, along the Portage River in downtown Oak Harbor.
• Oregon: Boomfest 2023, July 15, dusk, Oak Shade Grove.